Don’t like talking about money? Me neither! But God has given us the blessing of supporters to enable us to do ministry here, and we have to continually rely on Him working through His people to provide for our ministry. It actually is a blessing because we know that in every step, it is God who has gotten us there. If you are not able to support us financially and aren’t a person who is into numbers and details, this letter isn’t for you. We appreciate your prayers and your keeping up with our ministry! However, we have several people who are interested in the financial details of things, and others who love to give toward specific projects. This letter is for you!
As you know, we have been slowly working on raising money to build our house in the tribe, and our goal is to raise $60,000 for this. Perhaps you are wondering what all this money goes towards, or may be interested in purchasing something specific. We recently met with someone who helped us with figuring out the electrical stuff we will need, and hopefully he will help us build our house in the bush. We are so thankful for support missionaries like him who can help people like us who have no idea what we are doing! So, because of that, we have more specific numbers on electrical type things, while other things are still very much an estimate. Here is what those estimates look like right now:
Lithium Batteries and Battery Box- $7,000 (We already purchased these!)
Solar Power System: $11,000
Solar Water Heater: $2,000
Washing Machine: $1,500
Oven: $400
Generator: $2,000
Plumbing and Water Tank: $5,000
Transportation (Shipping and Helicopter into the jungle): $20,000
Building Materials (posts, plywood, tin roof, etc.): $10,000
Furniture: $ 1,000
Even though we don’t know exactly when or where we are going yet, we are stepping out in faith and beginning to purchase things. The reason for this is that some things can take 6-12 months to get here, and we don’t want to be held back by waiting around for stuff. Once we have a full team and a tribe, we want to go! As we are purchasing things, each month we will feature a “special project” of something you can help us buy!
We recently set up a special account that will allow funds marked for our “house fund” to go directly there without being taxed as income for us, which means more money going towards ministry. Hooray! You don’t have to change anything about the way you give, and your gifts will still be tax-deductible; just make sure you write “house fund” in the memo section. Here is some information about it that we need to include, “All financial donations to Ethnos360 preferenced for the Construction in Progress (CIP) account for Matt and Karissa Long will be used for the building of Matt and Karissa’s tribal house in Papua New Guinea. If circumstances prevent Matt and Karissa from serving in a tribal location in Papua New Guinea, or if there are extra funds in the building account after the house is completed; those funds may be used in one of the following ways:
1- Transferred to the missionary’s account to be used toward other ministry expenses
2- Used to help pay for the construction of other tribal houses in PNG.”
Thanks so much for being a part of our ministry! Your prayers and financial gifts are part of what God is using to reach people here in Papua New Guinea!
Just to let you know, this week, Karissa will finish up teaching at the missionary school, and on Monday Matt will start a new support role doing construction and maintenance at the missionary center nearby. We’ll write more about that next month.
We are so thankful for you!
Till all know,
Matt, Karissa, Ty, and Wyck
Matt on one of the surveys. It really is hiking through the middle of nowhere!
Wyck is ready for summer! He’s happy Mommy will be home with him!
Please Pray:
– For Matt as he starts his new role doing construction/maintenance
– For Karissa as she transitions into being at home with the kids all day
– That God will provide another family for us to partner with
Praise God:
– For how He has provided for our house fund so far
